During its investigation, the agency found the employer:
• Did not de-energize rollers prior to maintenance and product changes
• Exposed workers working atop equipment to falls because guard rails and ladders were inadequate
• Failed to implement lockout/tag out procedures to prevent unintentional machine starts during service and maintenance such as clearing jams, and adjusting operating parts
• Exposed workers to crushing and amputation injuries because machines lacked adequate safety guards

The company faced similar citations in 2009 and 2012 at plants in Mount Vernon and Findlay.

“Disconnecting equipment from its power supply and installing required safety guards are crucial in protecting workers from amputation and crushing injuries,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA’s area director in Toledo. “Lack of machine safety procedures remains among the most frequently cited OSHA violations. Manufacturers, like Sanoh America, need to take their responsibilities for employee safety more seriously.”

Established in 1987, Sanoh America produces corrosion-resistant, plastic and stainless steel tubing assemblies at six manufacturing locations in North and South America. The company has 1,300 employees and supplies major automakers including Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Ford and Hyundai.